Spell out numbers in essays mla

Thus, a range of numbers 10—40; —; 5,—5,; 90,—90, or dates —; — should never be abbreviated. Decimals are always written as numerals for clarity and accuracy. Should you write them out in words or leave them as numerals? Mary read four new books last week and seven newspaper articles.

Writing out large numbers would not only waste space but could also be a major distraction to your readers. If your work must follow the rules of a specific style guide, understand that they all have rules for spelling out numbers that may differ slightly from the rules listed above.

Otherwise, both numbers should be fully written out ; However, the MLA Handbook further notes that science writers frequently use numerals for various kinds of data, such as units of measurement and statistical expressions, regardless of size. The main purpose of this rule is to avoid confusing the reader.

Fifty-two percent of teachers live in the city. Beginning a Sentence Here is a rule that you can truly rely on: In ranges of numbers, MLA Style includes the entire second number for numbers up to 99 ; ; but uses only the last two digits of the second number for larger numbers, unless more are needed ; ; 2,; 5, Consistency Always strive for consistency, even if it overrides a previous rule.

To write numbers properly, you will have to identify potential differences between major style guides such as MLAAPAand Chicagoto name a few because these guides often outline different rules for using numbers in writing. She filled her gas tank with two-thirds of a gallon. However, for larger numbers, you can always err on the side of numeral form: The mountain accumulated 8.

The exception to this rule pertains to mixed fraction. If the first two digits of both years are the same, include only the last two digits of the second year ; The document will make use of small numbers, large numbers, decades, and statistics.

However, a reader asked that we cover another difference between the two styles: For example, MLA style indicates that writers may spell out numbers if they are not used too frequently in the document and can be represented with one or two words e.

Keep reading to find out. Numbers That Require Numerals Numbers 10 and above: Fifteen new fiction novels were on display. She has four brothers aged 7, 9, 12, and APA Style does not have explicit rules for ranges of numbers, except for when referring to a page range or a range of dates in a reference list entry.When writing numbers in your essay, the general rule is that whole numbers below 10 should always be spelled out.

You would assert that there are "three cars" or. Numbers that Are Spelled Out. Please note that there are some exceptions to the rules outlined below. As with other grammar rules, rules for writing numbers change according to certain style guides (i.e. Chicago Manual of Style, AP, MLA, etc.).However, here are some general rules for spelling out numbers.

MLA Style spells out numbers that can be written in one or two words (three, fifteen, seventy-six, one thousand, twelve billion) and to use numerals for other numbers (2¾; ; 1,; 25,).

APA Style, on the other hand, generally uses words for numbers below 10 and numerals for numbers 10 and above. Better writing. No matter what you are working on. Grammarly's free writing app makes sure everything you type is easy to read, effective, and mistake-free.

Different style guides give different rules. APA says spell out numbers less than one, four, nine, 13, MLA says spell out. To write numbers properly, you will have to identify potential differences between major style guides (such as MLA, APA, and Chicago, to name a few) because these guides often outline different rules for using numbers in writing.